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A mock up of Richard III based on research from the Society of Antiquaries. Credit: PA

The lawyer who spearheaded Richard III's descendants' legal challenge has described the High Court decision as "highly regrettable".

Matthew Howarth, partner at Yorkshire law firm Gordons, said his clients were now considering appealing against the ruling.

Mr Howarth said: "We obviously respect and accept today's verdict, and are grateful to have had the opportunity to raise this matter before the courts, but are naturally disappointed at the decision, which we regard as highly regrettable."

Work has begun on the King Richard III cathedral gardens in Leicester. The centre is located on the site where the remains of the former Plantagenet King were found buried in a grave in September 2012.

The centre is due to open later this Summer.

The High Court has ruled that the University of Leicester does have the rights to bury King Richard III's remain in the city's cathedral.

The University of Leicester says its work is 'undisputed' after the High Court ruled the University does have the rights to bury King Richard III's remain in the city's cathedral.

This is a victory for common sense and justice and it upholds the norms and agreed practice for archaeological excavations.

King Richard III received a Christian burial in Leicester over 500 years ago and it is only right, now that the Church where he was buried has been destroyed, that he is reinterred in the Cathedral in the same parish with honour and dignity.

The fact that the University of Leicester discovered the King through the expertise of its archaeological work and subsequent scientific investigation is undisputed.

"After the frustration of recent months it is now in the hands of the Cathedral to make proper provision for the re-interment of Richard III, and that his remains would be laid in a tomb fit for a king."

Speakers at the King Richard III press conference, including the city's mayor (pictured fourth from left) Credit: ITV News Central

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People inside Leicester Cathedral, including City Mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby, applauded the High Court's decision giving the University of Leicester the right to bury King Richard III's remains in the city's cathedral.

The King's remains were discovered buried under a council car park in Leicester in 2012.

Relatives of King Richard III won the right to bring High Court proceedings to challenge where his remains should be buried, but now a judicial review has ruled that the King's remains will be reburied in Leicester.

This is the scene inside Leicester Cathedral where just after 10.00am this morning, the decision will be made on whether King Richard III's remains will be reinterred in the city.

Various city dignitaries, including the Bishop of Leicester, Rt Revd Tim Stevens & City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby, will give their reaction to the outcome of a judicial review, after calls from distant relatives of the last Plantagenet King for his body to be reburied in his home city of York.

The High Court is today expected to give its decision of the judicial review which contested whether the Ministry of Justice should have given the rights to the University of Leicester permitting the remains of King Richard III to be buried in the city's cathedral.

Skeletal remains of King Richard III Credit: University of Leicester

The King's remains were discovered buried under a council car park in Leicester in 2012.

Relatives of King Richard III won the right to bring High Court proceedings to challenge where his remains should be buried.